Vow despite shock
over Boston blasts

Shocked local fundraisers have told the Advertiser that bloodshed caused by bombs at the finale of the Boston Marathon will not put them off involvement in this weekend’s London Marathon.

Two separate blasts near the finishing line of the American city’s yearly race killed three and injured many more on Monday. The devices were believed to have been a terrorist attack.

But the shocking scenes have not deterred runners from taking part in Sunday’s London Marathon.

Daniel Wyles and James Holding, both 24, who are running for charity, said that the best way to pay tribute to the victims of the Boston tragedy is to run the race — despite the obvious fears that it too could be targeted.

David Kolebuk, 45, of Langley Mill, plans to support his sister-in-law Angela O’Brian who is running. He said: “Life is a risk anyway. You can’t let these things stop you doing things. Everyone is happy and no-one is backing out.”

Mr Kolebuk will cycle to London and back to raise cash for the CLIC Sargent charity. He will pass a relay baton to Angela to carry during the run around the capital.

He said: “There is no hesitation in our minds. She is a headmistress, she is not the sort of person to back down. I will be there to give her strategic encouragement at 13 and 23 miles when you are at your lowest ebb.”

James, who is running the London race for the first time on Sunday, said: “What happened in Boston obviously does make you think. But if anything, security in London will be even tighter now.

“If it was terrorists, then cancelling the race or people pulling out is what they would want. We have to just carry on.”

Daniel, who hopes to raise £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK, added: “What happened in Boston is really tragic but I think the best tribute to the people affected is for other events to go ahead.

“Everyone there on Sunday will be thinking about what happened (in Boston) and the people who were killed or injured. But I’m confident our police and security will make sure the event is safe.”

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